Moon Base Alpha or a Martian Chronicle

I truly hope that something comes of all this talk. This generation needs a space program that has goals and a FUTURE. The shuttle program has been very beneficial but has never really captured the national imagination like the race to the moon. In all honesty, it will be remembered for its tragedies more than any triumphs. The Hubble Telescope makes the entire program a triumph IMHO. I would like to hear the Democratic candidates address this issue. With the federal deficit enlarging by the minute, I fear that Bush will push no visionary program in an election year. The space program always seems like a luxury that we can ill afford, but it should remain an international project and further our relationship with the rest of the world. We need such projects to inspire and enrich our lives.